White Cane Safety Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Americans who are blind or visually impaired are valuable and contributing
members of our society, and many use a white cane to help them succeed at
school, home, or work. White canes give these individuals greater mobility
and enable them to participate in more aspects of community life. On White
Cane Safety Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made for those who
are blind or visually impaired, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring
that these citizens can live and work with greater freedom and
independence.

One of our Nation's defining values is compassion, and we must make certain
that all our citizens are able to harness their talents, engage in
productive work, and participate fully in society. My Administration is
working to fulfill this goal for individuals with disabilities through the
New Freedom Initiative. This comprehensive program helps increase the
development and use of assistive and universally designed technologies,
expand educational and employment opportunities, and improve access into
daily community life. By working to reduce barriers and change old ways of
thinking, we can help ensure that our Nation's opportunities are more
accessible to all.

The Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-628) approved on October
6, 1964, as amended, has designated October 15 of each
year as "White Cane Safety Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2005, as White Cane Safety Day. I
call upon public officials, business leaders, educators, librarians, and
all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.